My suggestion is first talk to the builder to see what instructions he gave the tiler as i'm sure he doesn't want a dissatisfied client. Most tilers will check with the builder before grouting especially when a colour is not specified in a contract. I would then ask if the grout could be replaced, from the looks of it it will only be a couple of hours work. There is nothing worse than having to look at something you are not happy with. I would not use the paint product as it will alway look like it is covering a mistake. White will look better. Make sure the mixer body is waterproofed or you will have a leak in your wall, the membrane should lap onto the body from the wall if it is done well. All the best.

Thanks oklouise,kids bedrooms done essentially have to have walk in robes, could be double cupboards ect just need loads of storage. I was thinking a minimum of 3.5x3.5 for kids rooms. I'm not fussed on the size of study just enough for there to be computer/ storage for act and crafts, could even double as small toy room till kids are older. Access through lounge would be ok, I would have to talk to my partner for his thoughts. The garage must be at least 6.5x 6.5. Laundry needs a lot of storage and bench space. I have parrots so incubators/baby parrots and food will also be kept in there. Kitchen needs a walk in pantry but not that keen on a butlers, has to be good for entertaining I cook a lot for myself and others for work. I also have a lot of cooking appliances. So overall the house needs lots of storage haha. I'm under strict instruction that nothing can be kept in his 18m x 18m shed haha.

As Oklouise suggested, the myHome.gov.au website is a great place to start, to get informed. And listen to the Undercover Architect podcasts from the beginning of series 1. Her advice is invaluable. It will help you understand why orientation and other factors are key to the comfort of your home. She also has a series in which she interviews different professionals that might be worth a listen to help you choose which way to go. Her series on budgeting is also gold. Budget may, in part, dictate how you proceed. Volume homes are generally cheaper (but not always) but you will have less control over the process, quality, floor plans and design, and fixtures and fittings. That said, some volume builders will allow you to modify their designs. Others will build your design or help you come up with a design, although there can be pitfalls to that approach as builders are usually not designers. Custom building is usually, but not always, more expensive than a volume builder but you have much greater control over the whole process. You will generally need to engage a building designer, architect or draftsperson if you go this way, fees can add up, and build cost is usually higher. You’ll get closer to exactly what you want (unless your budget is limitless, then you really can have anything you want), probably at a higher level of quality, but you’ll pay more for it. Or there is the option of modular and prefabricated homes. Some of these are architect driven with strong design values and eco credentials and give you a quality build with lower costs than a bespoke design as they are able to contain costs. But do your homework if you go down this route as some are better than others. Prebuilt is one example. Archiblox is another. A few will do a hamptons style place but most tend to be more contemporary in their design approach. For our next build we are going with a small company run by an architect and builder that build houses with an eight star energy rating using a modular system that is highly flexible in its design and optimally suited to the orientation of the block. Cost wise it will sit half way between a volume builder and a true custom design. The compromise is that we need to build within their system, and have some limitations in fixtures and fittings but also some flexibility. It’s a compromise we are happy with because the architect and builder who are key to this project share a similar aesthetic to us, are motivated by sustainability, use quality products in their build and take pride in their work. Good luck with the planning. Take your time and do your homework. This is a great resource too.

we've found that renovation is usually a much more expensive option than building new and siriruskeys idea of a separate new building connected by a link to the old house would be my choice for most older homes needing renovating and unless the original house is in very good condition and has many redeeming features that you want to keep i'd collect some quotes for a knock down rebuild for comparison and also try and identify the variations in renovation quotes.. the variation is huge and implies a major difference in work to be done?? it would be interesting to see your plans